The Express Newspaper 16th November 2022

– PHOTOS PAGE 19

Locals paused silently on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to honour and remember the service men and women who served, sacrificed and continue to fight for our freedom.

Services were held at memorial parks and cenotaphs across the region on Friday for Remembrance Day, including in Yungaburra which saw 14-year-old Jubilee Christian College student Anthony Crooks (pictured) MC the event.

Malanda Dairy sculpture set for repair

A MALANDA sculpture cel ebrating the history of the town’s rich dairy farming in dustry is set to get some love two decades since its installa tion with Tablelands Regional Council allocating close to $20,000 for its repair and re location.

The Malanda Museum Dairy Industry Sculpture was installed in 1998 by Xtreme First Impressions and current ly sits outside the Malanda Dairy Centre at the junction of James and Patrick Streets.

As the artwork is on a De partment of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) road cor ridor, it cannot be reinstalled at its current location after be ing removed for repairs.

The sculpture will now be refurbished and relocated out side of the Malanda Library.

Bull ride correction

THE write-off on the front of last week’s edition of The Ex press Newspaper stated Bonnie Milgate as the Great Northern Bullriding Series 2022 Mini Bulls Champion, this is incor rect.

While Bonnie won the final event, Ian Lamont was ahead in points and was named champion on the night.

Mossman’s “mo” hero

it,” he said.

“I get up and do 4km runs every day that goes towards the 120km goal to make up for the 60 men we lose every hour to suicide.

Luka Govorko

Although challenging, Luka is determined to keep hitting his goals and raise awareness for the black dog in many men’s lives.

“Men’s health is an issue that is often si lent and there needs to be more awareness on

“Some days I find it really challenging, but you’ve just got to get up and do it.”

Within a week, Luka managed to raise over $600 and has now set his fundraising goal to $1000.

To support his journey, donate to his fun draising page by visiting https://movember. com/m/14766820

Sky’s the limit with aviation cadetship

LOCALS with an interest in aviation will have the chance of a lifetime to pursue their dreams with an Australian first cadetship program offering subsi dised study and guaranteed employment opportu nities.

The program has been established between Jet Aviation and Skytek, with Aviation Australia as the training provider and is part of a long-term strategy aimed at recruiting Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.

On completion of the 10-month cadetship, stu dents who meet the criteria will be able to gain em ployment with either Jet Aviation or Skytek.

Aviation Australia business manager for North

“The industry is growing and there is a critical shortage of aircraft engineers in the industry,” he said.

“This is a worldwide career and there is a very high demand for jobs locally, nationally and over seas. “This inaugural cadetship program could help to safeguard the future of the industry.”

Applications for the program are now open with with training set to begin in February. To enquire about or enrol in the Cadetship Program, visit avia tionaustralia.aero or phone 07 3860 0923.

A 15-year-old Mossman boy has sprinted into action to raise money for men’s health, aiming to run 120km and grow a moustache during the month of November.

was inspired by a friend who ran a marathon every single day of No vember for the campaign last year.

Luka Govorko is only 15 years old and is running 140km and growing a mo this month to raise awareness for men’s health.

Queensland Chris Pigott said there had never been a better time to train as an aircraft maintenance en gineer.

New Inspector for Tablelands Patrol

BY RHYS THOMAS

THE Tablelands Patrol Group Inspector’s chair has been officially filled with the appointment of veteran police officer Jason Smith who took the helm and commenced his duties last week.

Mr Smith was sworn into the Queensland Po lice Service in December 1988 and after a short time in Brisbane on general duties, he moved to plain clothes and has been an appointed detective since 1996.

His career has seen him performing duties in major crime investigative units such as child ex ploitation, drug squad and homicide squad.

In 1998, he moved to Cairns CIB and per formed investigations across the Far Northern District.

While in the Far North, Mr Smith was the of ficer in charge (OIC) of Yarrabah, worked in the property crime squad and the road policing unit.

Mr Smith was promoted to detective sergeant OIC of St George CIB in 2000 but returned to the far north in 2004 as the OIC of Gordonvale Police Station.

In 2007 he received a promotion to Senior Sergeant OIC of Edmonton Police station be fore promoted to detective inspector in February 2020.

Over the last two years Mr Smith has led sev eral major investigations in Mount Isa and Far Northern Districts including homicides, drug trafficking, and serious child abuse matters.

Mr Smith said over his 30 years of experience as a police officer, the role of police has changed and evolved from regular law enforcement.

“Being a police officer has evolved over the years and I have enjoyed a career that has deliv ered a variety of challenges – when I joined the police it was very much about law enforcement,” he said.

“Now 30 years later, the community and its needs have changed and so too has the role of police.

“Police now have a much broader scope that

includes preventing, disrupting, reporting and in vestigating a much larger range of social issues than crime alone.”

Mr Smith is no stranger to youth crime issues, working in both Cairns and Mt Isa over the years and says while police do not have all the answers, they are actively working to combat youth crime.

“I have worked in a number of locations where youth crime has become an issue – I led the Cairns property crime investigation unit for over 12 months,” he said.

“I worked in the Cairns area for over 16 years and my previous location in the Mount Isa dis trict also has a significant youth crime problem.

“Youth crime is a symptom of a number of breakdowns in a young person’s life and police do not have the answer for every issue in their life before they become offenders.

“What I can say is that police and the or ganisations that influence those critical spaces in young people’s lives are getting much better at working together to address recidivist offending.

“I will continue to work closely with those other organisations to prevent youth offending, but where the safest option is to place them be fore the courts and potentially in custody, we will be doing that also.”

Mr Smith is excited to move to the pictur esque Tablelands and work at the head of the Ta bleland Patrol Group.

“The Tablelands is a beautiful part of the world and I feel very lucky to be working and living there,” he said.

“I look forward to meeting the community and working with them to keep the Tablelands one of the best places in Queensland to live.”

Tableland Patrol Group’s new Inspector Jason Smith arrived last week and is ready to work with the community.

“I look forward to meeting the community and working with them to keep the Tablelands one of the best places in Queensland to live”

Millions in funding for crazy ant eradication

TENS of millions of dollars has been committed over four years to help the Wet Tropics Manage ment Authority eradicate yellow crazy ants in the rainforest, pro tect the local wildlife and locals and their pets.

The recently handed down Federal Budget had $24.8m to keep the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program up and running.

Yellow crazy ants are consid ered to be one of the world’s top 100 worst invasive species and have been present in Far North Queensland for over a decade, but the persistent efforts of the program have seen widespread

infestation contained in recent years.

The negative impact yellow crazy ants have on ecosystems can have dramatic impacts on the Wet Tropics which is con sidered one of the world’s most significant biodiverse places.

The ants outcompete native invertebrates and birds, reptiles and frogs are impacted by them.

Wet Tropics Management Authority executive director Scott Buchanan said the Author ity’s eradication program has significantly reduced yellow crazy ant infestations.

“Yellow crazy ants in sug arcane paddocks, in local busi

nesses and in residential areas, spraying formic acid and injur ing pets and people, was some thing Cairns experienced in 2013,” he said.

“With the subsequent suc cess of the Authority’s Eradica tion Program, yellow crazy ant infestations have reduced sig nificantly, with eradication de clared at four sites and remnant populations on-track for eradi cation in the coming years.

“As sites progress towards eradication, we are moving from broad scale treatment into long term monitoring so we can be sure the ants have truly been eradicated”

Solution for Croydon food problems

IT is currently costing residents in Croydon $7.30 for 3L of milk compared to the $4.90 a person from Atherton would pay, with the remote com munity continuing to face food shortages and price hikes every day.

These price hikes have hit the locals of Croy don hard, with many residents left with little nutri tion and Gulf Savannah NRM are looking at ways to tackle the issue.

There are only two general stores remaining in the rural town and many families end up travelling 460km to Atherton, to buy bulk.

With support from a Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal grant, NRM has delivered four workshops ranging from backyard aquaponics and beekeeping, to worm farms and drought resilient gardening, to help Croydon locals develop food self-reliance in the harsh, dry-tropical climate of the Gulf.

Now, they are calling on local farmers from the Tablelands and surrounding areas to help out by asking local businesses in Croydon, as well as

the wider Gulf region and the Tablelands, if they would consider extending services or delivery routes to Croydon and the Gulf region.

For more information, contact Sarah Rizvi on 0439 659 866 or email sarah.rizvi@gulfsavannah nrm.org

Hospital nears completion

WORKS are nearing completion on stage 2 of the Atherton Hospital redevelopment with the newly constructed four-storey Clinical Ser vices slated to be ready for use by early 2023.

The new building will be finalised at the end of this year and will be operational in early 2023 once necessary transitioning and com missioning activities are undertaken.

Stage 1 of the redevelopment began in Au gust 2020 with a new purpose-built commu nity, allied and mental health building, a new helipad and an engineering services building.

The current stage is the Clinical Services building which once completed, will feature a new emergency department, medical imaging, general ward, maternity ward and birthing ser vice with private ensuite facilities, operating and endoscopy theatres as well as a sterilising unit.

The third and final stage will see the rede velopment of the existing ward block.

Acting director of nursing Kelly Pollock, is looking forward to locals being able to utilise

the new services.

“We are excited to plan for the opening of the new building and involve the community in the launch,” she said.

“Staff are looking forward to making the move and welcoming patients into a modern healthcare facility for the Tablelands commu nity.”

Other key features of the redevelopment include a new main hospital entrance to pro vide safe patient drop-off and pick-up zones, improved mobility access and directional signage, a spacious waiting area and familyfriendly zones to cater for visitors along with culturally appropriate areas.

Roadworks are also in progress on a portion of Louise St until December, with traffic re duced to one lane and a speed limit of 40km/h applied.

Works include some demolition of the ex isting pavement and installation of median strips and crossovers to allow access to the new hospital building from Louise St.

An aerial view of the newly constructed four storey Clinical Services building at the Atherton Hospital.

Residents of Croydon and Gulf Savannah NRM workshopped ways to tackle the town’s current food shortage.

Santa ready to ride into town

The gifts will be delivered to the Salvation Army in style, with motorcycle riders, class and vintage car

invited to join the “run” from Tinaroo to Tolga.

The cavalcade will leave Tinaroo Rural Fire Brigade shed at Tinaroo at 9am to Yungaburra, Malanda, Atherton and finish at the Salvation Army store in Tolga.

For more information, contact Don Sheppard on 0417 707 693.

Wine set for change

LOCALS could soon earn money recycling their glass wine and spirit bottles as Con tainers for Change aims to expand its highly successful recycling campaign to include larger bottles.

To date, Queenslanders have recycled more than 5.5 billion containers through the scheme and $540 million has been issued in refunds since its launch in 2018.

Before Containers for Change, only 18 per cent of beverage containers were recy cled but that number has risen drastically to 65 per cent.

Currently the program accepts most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150ml and 3L.

said Queenslanders will soon be able to give their views on the scheme extending their services to include larger bottles such as wines and spirits.

“Making more containers eligible for re funds makes it easier for people to recycle, particularly in more regional and remote communities where they might not have a recycling bin,” she said.

“From the perspective of Queensland’s fast-growing recycling industry, it also means beverage containers can be sorted and manufactured into new products quick er.

“Of course, we want to make sure that any decision to expand the scheme to in clude wine and spirit bottles is one that is backed by the community, so we’ll be going

out next month to Queenslanders to get their feedback.”

Minister Scanlon said in addition to community consultation, a discussion paper would also be released for industry to give feedback on.

“Through that process we’ll be able to determine not only how Queenslanders want the scheme to be expanded but also when we can roll it out and how it’ll fit in seamlessly with the current program,” she said.

“We want to see any expansion happen as soon as possible, but there will be a lot of work that’ll need to happen behind the scenes to make it happen.”

Consultation is expected to launch in De cember and run through to February 2023.

No rates increase for rental homes

BOTH Mareeba Shire Council and Tablelands Regional Council have assured locals they will not be increasing rates for rental properties after Cairns proposed a possible 15 to 40 per cent in crease in rental rates.

Cairns Regional Council recently wrote to landlords and advised them of a potential rate hike of up to 40 per cent for non-principal places of residence such as rentals and Airbnbs.

Unlike Cairns, Mareeba and Atherton have a lower amount of both rental properties and Airbnbs and both Mareeba Shire Council and Ta blelands Regional Council said they will not be considering raising rental rates.

“Mareeba Shire Council is not considering increasing the rates on rental properties and nonprimary places of residence,” Mareeba Mayor An

gela Toppin said.

“My understanding is that this is being consid ered by Cairns Regional Council.

“They have numerous properties in their Council listed on accommodation websites, for example, Airbnb, that lists properties available for short-term stays.

“The number of these types of properties in our shire is low and therefore we are not considering a new rateable category.”

Tablelands Mayor Rod Marti said the rates are currently not separated between owner occupied and non-principal place of residence.

“We don’t currently separate owner occupied and non-principal place of residence for rating purposes and have no plans to change this,” he said.

THE Tablelands Toy Run is revving up again for 2022, with stu dents from Malanda and Yungaburra State School and the Highland Restorers Club joining the Salvation Army in the annual initiative. This is the 26th time the event will gather small gifts of nonperishable food and cash to donate to the Salvation Army’s Christ mas appeal.

owners

PICTURED: 2022 Malanda State School leaders Felicity Graham, Lily Mollenhagen, Fletcher Winsor, Mitchell Bird, Don Sheppard and Miriam Newton-Gentle with a 1946 James Comet motorbike that was restored recently.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon

CALLING on all mango grow ers – it’s time to get your biggest and juiciest fruits ready for this year’s annual KP Mango Com petition kicking off this week.

Whether you are a backyard grower or a farmer, this compe tition is open to everyone with a $500 prize for the winner with the biggest mango.

Last year’s winner was a last minute “whopper” from Andrew Gould, weighing in at 2.068kg and breaking the record for heaviest mango to be seen in

the competition in recent years.

Second place will be award ed $300 and $200 will go to third place courtesy of compe tition’s major sponsor, Lindsay Transport and Lindsay Rural.

All entries must be of Kens ington Pride variety and be pre sented to The Express Newspa per office or to FNQ Growers president Joe Moro for inspec tion and tasting.

A photo of the mango on scales clearly showing its weight is also required.

The

Special guests included rugby league legend Shane

in his role as

Ambassador and safety advocate Dan Kennedy, whose son Dale was electrocuted when working in a ceil ing space at a Cairns school.

FNQ Grower’s president Joe Moro is looking forward to this year’s KP mango competition.

No-one is left behind this Christmas

LOCAL councils have once again banded to gether to ensure no-one gets left behind this Christmas with the Douglas, Mareeba and Ta blelands Councils all launching their respec tive Christmas appeals.

Each year, local council’s launch their ap peals heading into Christmas and ask the com munity for support in the form of cash, toy or food donations.

These donations go towards less fortunate residents who may not be able to enjoy Christ mas to the extent others will.

Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti believes Christmas is a great time to consider the less fortunate in the community.

“Not everyone has money to spare, espe cially at Christmas time, and some just have trouble making ends meet,” he said.

“With a small donation to the Mayor’s Community Christmas Appeal, you can make a difference to people and families in need.

“Donations will be used to provide food vouchers for use in local supermarkets to peo ple in need in our community.

“Last year 119 vouchers were distributed, valued at nearly $8000.”

You can drop cash into the donation tins at any of council’s customer service centres or deposit funds into the Tablelands Regional Council Community Christmas Appeal Gift Trust — BSB 084 512, Account Number 144 690 848 (put your name in the description).

This year for its appeal, Douglas Shire Council is working with Mossman Support Services, Mossman Elders Justice Group, Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, Goobidi Home Care Services, Goobidi Bamanga Com

munity Advancement Cooperative Society, Interdenominational Ministers Association and the Christian Mission Fellowship Interna tional.

Douglas Shire Council will have collection points around the shire from mid-November and will be seeking unopened children’s pre sents and toys for kids of all ages, as well as food and adult luxury items.

Mayor Michael Kerr said every dollar raised would go towards buying essential items for people and families who are doing it tough this festive season.

“Christmas is a really special time of the year, but it can also be a difficult period for some people in our community,” he said.

“Last year, the appeal supported more than 70 local families and individuals through Christmas hampers.

“We rely on donations to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the festive season and the many joyful moments Christmas can bring.”

An online donation portal is available for people to donate money to the appeal, dona tions of $2 or more are tax deductible, go to www.trybooking.com/au/donate/douglasx mas2022

Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin is encour aging residents to get behind the Mareeba’s appeal and donate to assist those in need.

“I know that there are many opportunities to contribute to charities throughout the year, but the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal is a chance for our local community to help our local fam ilies and to make Christmas time just a little better for those in need,” she said.

“We know that there are a number of local families and individuals facing challenges and we would like to be able to make a difference this festive season.

“I do sincerely thank you for considering this as part of your Christmas giving. If you have never donated before, I would like to ask that you consider making a small donation to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal for the first time in 2022.”

Cash donations to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal can be made at Mareeba Shire Coun cil Customer Service Centre’s in Mareeba and Kuranda.

Donations can also be made by cheque and mailed to PO Box 154, Mareeba QLD 4880, make the cheque payable to ‘Mayor’s Appeal Gift Fund’.

Donations will also be accepted by direct deposit using the account details, BSB: 084512 Account: 74-152-3490.

No food items or toys can be accepted for this appeal.

Time to light up

CHRISTMAS lights are going up across the Table lands and Mareeba as December creeps in with both councils encouraging homeowners to nominate for this years Christmas Lights Competition.

Last years competition was a great success, with families pulling out their brightest lights and largest blow-up Santa Claus’ to display in their front yards.

Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti said he is looking forward to seeing the festive spirit return this year and see the creativity of the people in the region.

“Join the Christmas cheer by decorating your home and garden and nominating for our competition,” he said.

“You can even get together with your neighbours and nominate your street for the prestigious best street award.

“For the first time we are also running a people’s choice award.”

Nominations for Tablelands residents are now open until Monday 5 December at 5pm, with judging to take place from 7-9 December between 7pm and 9pm.

Visit www.trc.qld.gov.au/our-community/awards/ christmas-lights/ to nominate and vote for people’s choice.

Mareeba Shire Council is excited to get their jingle bells ringing with nominations open until 9 December, with homeowners from across the shire encouraged to take part.

Judging is set to take place between 12-14 Decem ber and each category winner will take home a $150 cash prize.

Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said events like these contribute to the community’s spirit and give families something to look forward to every year.

“This event really contributes to the community spirit and the annual Christmas lights drive by has be come a tradition for many families,” she said.

“Our communities and communities across Aus tralia, have faced tough times in recent years and it is my hope that this Christmas, people take time to rest and reflect, and look forward to 2023 and beyond.

“I would like to encourage residents and businesses to enter the competition and to bring the Christmas spirit to the shire.”

All winners will be announced in The Express Newspaper on 21 December 2022 and on both council websites.

Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti is encouraging people to dig into their pockets this Christmas for those in need.

Success awarded

FROM their efforts in the classroom to their efforts on the field, students at Ma landa State High School were recognised at their annual awards presentation night.

Students from every grade who went above and beyond in their individual sub jects and overall academic achievements were awarded before the “special awards”.

This years Dux winner was Niall Hick ey, who is academically gifted in a variety of different subjects including chemistry, mathematical methods, physics and spe cialist mathematics.

Niall was also awarded the Malanda Spar Bursar and an Olympic Changemaker award, which is based around an applica tion make to the Olympic Committee and his achievements on the sporting field.

The vocational Dux of the year went to Ashleigh Langley, who is described as a

hardworking, dedicated student who does her work quietly without a fuss.

She also won the subject awards for Es sential english, essential mathematics and furnishing skills.

Kate Hinrichsen won the Tablelands Re gional Council Bursary, excellence awards for biology and general mathematics, a cultural and service award and is involved in lots of school activities including music and sport.

She is described as a conscientious and hard-working student who always aims to do the best she can.

The Year 11 Malanda Lions Club Com munity Bursary and the Jim and Marg Wall Bus Service Year 11 encouragement award went to 2023 elected School Captain, Ya seen Al Kahlout.

He also received a cultural and service

award and an excellence award for being an exceptional student across all subjects, being heavily involved in a wide range of extra curricula activities and community organisations.

Cassandra Easton jointly won the Ma landa Spar Bursary with Niall and also received Excellence awards for english, modern history and cultural and service award

The young and heavily involved student also took home the Merv Rankin Memorial Perpetual Trophy for public speaking.

She is academically gifted across a range of subjects and is involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities such as the 2022 student council executive.

All students were commended for their efforts.

The vocational Dux recipient Ashleigh Langley.

Malanda Spar bursary recipients Niall Hickey and Cassandra Easton with Spar representative Alisha Reppel (centre). Niall Hickey was also named the school Dux.

Yaseen Al Kahlout was awarded the Year 11 Malanda Lions Club Community Bursary and the Jim and Marg Wall Bus Service Year 11 Encouragement award.

TRC Mayor Rod Mardi with bursary winner Kate Hinrichsen.

Incoming winner

BY ELLIE FINK

SAVANNAHLANDER’S driver and guide Wil Kemp’s impromptu wildlife talks, friendly humorous service and dedication to the job has earnt him the Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s Customer Service Excellence award for 2022.

His dedication to providing the best experience onboard the fourday train tour runs so deep that Wil even has a tattoo of the trains’ logo on his shoulder.

Being nominated by the Savannahlander business development manager, Wil proved to be a worthy recipient of the award and was beyond shocked when he found out he was this year’s winner.

“It was a bit scary honestly, I normally work with the tourists but here there were lots of corporate people who work in the big offices and it was very flash,” he said.

“They got straight into it, which was really good, so I got to find out if I won or not.

“They announced everyone’s name before mine, so I didn’t think I had won but I had my mates and partner patting my back like I did.

“Sure enough they announced me as the winner and even though they told us to have a speech prepared, I didn’t have one because I didn’t think I was going to win.”

Since receiving the award, which is a piece of Indigenous steel art designed in Kuranda, he has received praise from the director general of TransLink, Kennedy MP Bob Katter plus new and return ing Savannahlander passengers.

Wil began driving the Savannahlander 11 years ago, after finish ing work as a zookeeper at the old Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve in Koah.

Whilst searching for a new job, he met a man who worked for the Savannahlander and ended up getting a job driving trains.

“He asked me ‘can you drive a train?’ and I was like ‘no!’, and that moment was just as overwhelming as when I received the award,” Wil said.

“Going from working in a zoo to driving trains was super differ ent but the Savannahlander crew helped me gain all the qualifica tions to do it.

“Because of my background in the zoo, they asked me to bring that knowledge of native wildlife to diversify the trip.”

Wil explained that the Savannahlander was once a trip for mainly

train enthusiasts and since bringing in his knowledge of tradition Indigenous land, fauna and flora, passengers can experience every aspect of northwest Queensland.

While the main tourism drive for the Far North is the rainforest, Wil hopes he can encourage tourists to take a trip inland to learn something new.

“The rainforest is the savannah’s pretty older sister that gets all the attention and even though it’s a big tourism driver, there is so much to explore inland,” he said.

“If there is an animal on the tracks like a monitor or a snake I try and pull up the train to go get it off the track and show the pas sengers.

“It’s a very special little trip, not every town has a Savannahl ander.”

School winners in TRC grant changes

SCHOOL,

Program handed out $61,500 of grants to 61 not-for-profit community groups and 41 to youth.

P&Cs were only able to get in-kind assistance from the council or a remittance of fees under the previous poli cy but now they will be able to get grants of up to $1000 for activities or events that have a demonstrated clear community benefit beyond that of the school.

In the last financial year, council’s Community Grant

A total of 110 grant ap plications were received and assessed, with 102 ap proved.

The highest number of applications were received by community groups seek ing support to increase their capability and support to volunteers, while there was a 20 per cent increase in appli cations for Youth Achieve ment grants or bursary ap plications from the previous year.

Wil Kemp, who loves his job so much he has the logo tattooed on him, has won the Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s Customer Service Excellence award for 2022.

parent and citizen committees will now be able to apply for a grant from Ta blelands Regional Council after its policy guiding grant applications was broadened to include the groups.

Our Council Our Community

While Christmas is a joyous time for many, there are some people in our community who struggle through the festive season. Not everyone has money to spare, especially at Christmas time, and some just have trouble making ends meet.

A donation to the Mayor’s Community Christmas Appeal can make a difference to people and families in need.

Drop cash into the donation tins at any of our customer service centres or deposit funds into the Tablelands Regional Council Community Christmas Appeal Gift Trust — BSB 084 512, Account Number 144 690 848 (put your name in the description). Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

Donations will be used to provide food vouchers for use in local supermarkets. The vouchers will be distributed by emergency relief agencies — Better Together Community Hub, Eacham Community Help Organisation (ECHO) Empowering Services, St Vincent de Paul Society in Atherton and Ravenshoe, Salvation Army in Tolga and Herberton, and Ravenshoe Community Centre. Last year 119 vouchers were distributed, valued at nearly $8000.

The Tablelands Business Excellence Awards, showcasing the region’s outstanding business operators and not-for-profit entities, are open for nominations.

Nominations are being accepted across seven categories:

• Customer Excellence (gold sponsor — TRC)

• Technology and Innovation Impact (gold sponsor — NBN Co.)

• Visual Stand-Out Business

• Employer of Choice (gold sponsor — Aro Industries)

• Sustainability Contribution (gold sponsor — Costa)

• New and Emerging Business or Service

• Champion Business (gold sponsor — Old Mate’s Farm).

Nominations are open until midday Friday 18 November (extended deadline) and voting for the People’s Choice Awards (gold sponsor — CQ University) will be open between midday Friday 18 November and Thursday 1 December. Nominate and vote at gov.au/business-excellence-awards. The awards will be presented at the Gala Awards Ceremony on Saturday 3 December at the Atherton International Club.

Silver sponsors — Kaban Wind Farm, Smart Biz HQ, and Smart Training Australia. Media partner — The Express Newspaper.

Mayor’sAppealChristmas Business Excellence Awards Australia Day Awards Christmas Lights Competition

Our Christmas Lights Competition is on again and we’re looking forward to seeing the festive spirit reflected in light displays on houses, in gardens and across streets in the region.

Join the Christmas cheer by decorating your home and garden, and nominating your home or street.

The competition is open to homes and streets in the TRC region and nominations (trc.qld.gov.au/christmas-lights) close 5pm

Monday 5 December.

Judging will take place at 7–9pm Wednesday 7

– Friday 9 December, and first, second and third place prizes will be awarded in both categories.

We’ll share a list of the participating houses and streets so you can follow the Tablelands Christmas Lights Trail across the community.

For the first time we’re also running a People’s Choice award. Vote for your favourite home at trc.qld.gov.au/christmas-lights between 4pm Monday 12 and 4pm Wednesday 14 December.

Supported by The Express Newspaper.

Now is the time to nominate exceptional people and groups in our community for a Tablelands Regional Council 2022 Australia Day Award.

The awards recognise outstanding locals who make our region a great place to work, live and play.

Categories include:

• Citizen of the Year

• Young Citizen of the Year

• Community Event of the Year

• Community Service

• Inclusion

• Sports Supporter

• Sport

• Junior Sports

• Cultural

• Junior Cultural

Nominations (trc.qld.gov.au/australia-day) are open until 5pm Monday 19 December.

The award recipients will be announced at our Australia Day celebrations and citizenship ceremony on Thursday 26 January at the Atherton International Club.

© Tableland Photography

Photo:

Couple relive drive-in romance 41 years on

AFTER meeting at the Mareeba Drive-In for the first time in 1981, local couple Chris tine and Michael Purcell returned to relive the memories for their 40th wedding anni versary.

On Friday 30 October 1981, a young Christine and Michael met whilst at the drive-in together and little did they know they would spend the rest of their lives to gether.

Christine was with her sisters at the time whilst Michael was with some friends and even though they had just met, Christine said it felt like she had known him forever.

“The next day we just so happened to be at the skating rink in Atherton together be cause it was all the hype in the 80’s,” she said.

“He had asked me for a couple’s skate and at the time I was with another guy who wanted to be my boyfriend, so I said no, but by the end of the night we were skating to gether, holding hands.

“A year later on 30 October, we were married at Malanda Falls.”

The wedded couple went to the drive in often with their children throughout their marriage, reliving the day they had met.

On their anniversary this year, they de cided to relive the memories once again.

When drive-in owner Ann-Marie Don nelly heard of the special occasion, she was determined to make it the most perfect night for the couple.

Christine and Michael were treated to a choc top on the house and a relaxing even ing where they reminisced on the good old days.

“It was a lot of fun and a bit warm,” Christine said.

“We sat in front of the car with our choc tops and fish and chip and watched the kids playing in the bush just like our kids used to.

“It was very much like it used to be 41 years ago.”

Christine and Michael Purcell returned to the Mareeba Drive-In 41 years after meeting there to relive the memories for their wedding anniversary below.

Life changing connection

From silence to hearing aids that answer the phone –

the NDIS helped change Christine’s life

BY JODI BJORKSTEN

MAREEBA local Christine Wright is no stranger to overcoming ad versity, having experienced deteriorating hearing loss her whole life, but with the support of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Mission Australia and NDIS provider ITEC, the 68-yearold has experienced a new level of connectivity.

The former special education and advisory teacher contracted measles at two months of age and interestingly, Christine didn’t know this was the cause of her deafness until discovering personal records on her mother’s passing 10 years ago.

From a young age, Christine loved learning and did very well at school with supportive teachers, small class sizes and personal strategies.

“I knew from a young age that I needed to be up the front of the class and in the line of sight of teachers,” she said.

Christine’s hearing loss was not formally diagnosed until Year 4 through a routine school health check.

On successfully completing secondary education Christine was awarded a teaching scholarship however, following a manda tory medical examination, the scholarship was rescinded as she was deemed medically unfit due to hearing loss and didn’t meet the strict criteria for acceptance into teacher training.

Sometime later Christine re-applied to study teaching with the support of the Deaf Society and two years into her studies, the crite ria were amended and she applied for employment with the Queens land Department of Education.

Christine subsequently enjoyed a long and successful career as a special education and advisory teacher, a job she loved right up until retirement.

Prior to the NDIS, Christine self-funded her hearing aids and an amplification device at great cost but experienced significant com munication difficulties due to interference from background noise, particularly in social/family contexts.

Christine said the biggest challenges for a person with hearing loss was that it’s an “invisible disability” – it is generally not de tectable until a person starts to speak and/or expresses difficulties hearing.

“It is extremely challenging with compromised hearing to feel a part of what’s going on around you and the constant struggles to follow and contribute to conversations can take a toll on a person’s mental health,” she said.

“It’s very easy to become isolated and disconnected because of

communication difficulties.”

Christine decided to seek access to the NDIS as she wanted sup port to remain connected to family, friends and community includ ing her seven grandchildren.

After being granted NDIS access, Christine was able to buy new hearing aids which better suited her particular type of hearing loss.

Christine also uses her NDIS funding to access regular speech pathology sessions which she says have been a game-changer and given her a greater understanding of her hearing issues and resultant support needs.

“The speech pathology sessions have given me greater aware ness around how I actually speak including how I am making sounds because I can’t hear them,” she said.

“I also learned that I spoke very quickly because I felt uncom fortable and self-conscious about the way I spoke and was always in a hurry to finish talking.

“I am now more conscious when speaking, for example, I speak much more slowly and focus on articulation of sounds – as a result of the extensive therapy I have received, my self-confidence has improved and I am so much happier now.”

On the recommendation of her audiologist, Christine used her NDIS funding to purchase a wireless portable tabletop amplification device almost three years ago.

It automatically selects the direction of the speaker and provides the best clarity to improve greater speech understanding when there is loud noise – she also purchased a smaller wireless amplifier which clips to her clothing.

“This device has been a godsend and I don’t know what I would do without it,” Christine said

“I can now go to social gatherings and with the mic placed on the table in front of me, I can hear everything that’s being said and actively participate whereas before I would withdraw into ‘listening mode’ or not attend as I could only hear a fraction of conversations.”

Christine said since gaining access to the NDIS, the support from Mareeba-based Mission Australia NDIS local area coordinators had been excellent.

“Having the support of such an experienced local area coordina tor as Eleanor Gilkerson from Mission Australia’s Mareeba Service Centre has made all the difference in maximising the benefits of hav ing NDIS funding and dealing with any challenges that arise,” she said.

Christine is also extremely appreciative of the support she re ceives from her NDIS-funded service provider, speech pathologist

and audiologist who all work together to provide high quality sup port.

“My main priority is to be able to stay connected to my grand children and to continue to be an important and present part of their lives,” she said.

Christine loves going camping with friends and previously relied on her hearing aids and lip reading as she was scared to take her expensive amplification devices away.

After dark and not being able to lip read, Christine often excused herself and went to bed early as she had difficulty hearing conver sations but felt upset about missing out on valuable time with her friends, which with the help of NDIS, has now all changed.

how

NDIS participant Christine Wright with her amplification devices that have enriched and changed her life.

Driving awareness success

Casali’s “Down

BY SALLY TURLEY

CREATED in 2015 by Alex Arena in hon our of his grandson, Milan Villella who was born with Down Syndrome in 2012, the event has grown in popularity each year, raising a total of $75,000 over the seven years it has been running.

Though both very hesitant at first, Mi lan’s parents’ Marie and John Villella, were soon swept up in the event, which they be lieve is primarily about raising awareness rather than money.

“Love doesn’t count chromosomes,” Marie said.

Milan was diagnosed with Down Syn drome three days after his birth and Mrs Villella said the support she has received from Down Syndrome Queensland has

been a huge help in helping her navigate the new and difficult situation she suddenly found herself in.

Working through his business, Mr Are na created the annual October buggy ride through the (Cairns Regional Electricity Board), CREB track, down to the Daintree, six years ago.

At just over 70kms long, the CREB track is recognised as one of the most sce nic, most adventurous and most challeng ing 4WD tracks in North Queensland.

The organisers hold a huge charity auc tion at the Bloomfield Cabins each year, treating participants to dinner and break fast, before they continue on.

The 100-person cap Mr Arena placed on the event previously, was well and truly smashed this year with avid participants

turning up in 43 Rural Terrain Vehicles (RTV’s), five four-wheel drive vehicles and one quad bike to ride the course.

“People with Down Syndrome don’t want any special treatment, they just want to be treated like normal,” Mr Arena said.

“We would like to thank our major sponsors, Kubota Australia and Donald son filters and all those who have donated or helped out over the years, we are very grateful for your support.”

If you would like to join in for next year’s event on October 14-15, 2023, email marievillella@gmail.com or alan@casalis. com.au for the details.

“Numbers are starting to fill up already and we are excited to welcome our new sponsor Outback Solar and Outdoors,” Mr Arena said.

Yungaburra historical walking track revived

BY RHYS THOMAS

A NEW walking track at Yungaburra will be built on the same path as an original Bicentennial Walk which was established in 1988 with the hand of a popular local landcare group.

The Allumbah Heritage Walk will provide locals and visitors to Yunga burra, an alternative walk apart from the existing Petersen Creek walking track which is maintained by Yunga burra Landcare.

The original bicentennial walk has fallen into a state of disrepair and the many signs that used to populate the

walk and provide people with infor mation about the region’s history have become dilapidated or vanished.

Tablelands Regional Council de cided to allocate $21,151 ($4885 implementation and $16,266 wholeof-life-costs) from the community project budget to the walking track.

Paul Burnell was the main driv ing force behind the project and is pleased the funding for the track got approved.

“The three things that were clearly identified that the walk will showcase is the indigenous culture that is evi dent in the Yungaburra area, the local history of the area and the beauty of

the local fauna and flora,” he said.

“There will be signage, brochures, leaflets and QR codes for people to use and learn more about the area and its history.

“The original track has fallen through the cracks and what we are really doing is reimagining the origi nal track.”

The 4.5km walk will feature about 30 new signs and encourage visitors to further explore the village and its history and to stay in the town for longer.

It will also have educational ben efits for schools and other groups wanting to learn about Yungaburra’s

natural and cultural history.

President of Yungaburra Landcare David Blair is excited to add the Al lumbah Heritage Walk to the existing walking circuit.

“The Allumbah Heritage Walk to a great extent uses existing tracks and roads, with the walk linking places with historical significance for the white settlement of Allumbah, which was renamed Yungaburra around 1910,” he said.

“On the other hand, the Peterson Creek tracks have always tried to emphasise the natural world and in digenous uses of the area, while not ignoring the sites on the creek that

were important for the development of Yungaburra.

“Parts of the track network set up by Yungaburra Landcare years ago are also included in the Allumbah Heritage Walk. These are the Casu arina Walk and the Wallaby Track.

“The addition of the Allumbah Heritage Walk means there is going to be a varied and extensive interlinked set of tracks, offering environments ranging from creek-side strolls in re stored rainforest to open woodland.”

The project will commence within the next couple of months depending on the availability of supplies and ma terials.

More and more people are taking part in the “Down Syndrome Awareness Drive” each year as it continues to gain support throughout North Queensland.

The seventh annual

Syndrome Queensland Awareness Drive” has been another huge success, attracting 142 participants and raising a total of $23,000 for the worthy cause

Lodge wins big

FAR North Queensland tropical retreat, Cape York Peninsula Lodge, has won several awards at the recent Queensland Tourism Awards in cluding gold for their accommodation and silver for its connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

The lodge is in the small township of Bamaga in the Northern Peninsula Area close to Pajinka, Cape York, the northern-most point of mainland Australia.

It is operated by Bamaga Enterprises lim ited (BEL), a First Nations, community-owned organisation and features 44 serviced suites, conference facilities, restaurant, hire car, pool, garden walks, reception, and guest services – it is the only four-star accommodation of its type in the region.

Guests can also enjoy traditional Torres Strait Islander dishes alongside modern Pacific-rim cuisine at the lodge’s Paperbark restaurant.

In recognition of the lodge’s services, it was awarded gold for the 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accom modation category and a silver in the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism category.

BEL Chairperson Robert Poipoi said the or ganisation offered an array of cultural experi ences in a remote part of the world where Indig enous culture is infused throughout the tourism experience.

“At Cape York Peninsula Lodge, guests can

learn the history and culture of the Torres Strait Islander communities in a moving sunset perfor mance by award-winning dance troupes such as Naygayiw Gigi,” he said.

“This is a unique part of Australia and the world, where both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures live side by side.

“The Naygayiw Gigi performance tells the story of how we came to the NPA and explains some of our history, languages, musical instru ments and dances.

“It is interactive so our visitors really get in volved in the performance which makes it more memorable.”

Amid Covid-related disruptions and restric tions, the lodge had a record-breaking year in 2021/22 with a 92 per cent increase in visitors and a 54 per cent rise in group bookings, there was also a 20 per cent increase in employment, over half of which were Indigenous people.

“We are so proud to receive both a Gold and Silver award, it is well deserved for the hard work and effort of our employees to make sure guests have an enjoyable stay,” Mr Poipoi said.

“Operating in such a remote location can be challenging, so to receive an award like this will not only benefit the lodge but also play a key role in continuing to attract visitors outside of the peak tourism season to the wider region.”

Company charged over logging in Wet Tropics

A TOWNSVILLE based logging company has been handed a $10,000 fine after they illegally chopped down 23 trees in the Shiptons Flat World Heritage Area in Rossville last year.

The species of trees felled consisted of red tu lip oak, black bean, red mahogany and cadagi, the company conducted the logging despite the absence of any approvals from the Wet Tropics Manage ment Authority or the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, which led to environmental damage. The company was ordered to pay $2,000 in legal

costs and no conviction was recorded.

The penalties have been welcomed by the Au thority and the Department of Environment and Science (DES).

Authority executive director Scott Buchanan said the outcome of the ruling sends a strong mes sage.

“The Queensland Government is serious about protecting our World Heritage Areas,” he said.

“The sentence handed down by the Magistrate demonstrated a strong willingness to deter others

from these kinds of illegal activities.

“The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is pro tected for its outstanding universal value to the world, and is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.”

Logs from the felled trees were transported to a holding yard in Townsville, DES investigators attended the holding yard and seized the logs this month.

Investigators also executed a search warrant at Shiptons Flat and catalogued tree stumps, felled

trees left in situ, and vegetation damage as a result of access tracks at the site.

The court accepted that the company did not make any money from the unlawful logging and through its actions, was helping local elders.

However, the court found that the company’s actions were “not entirely altruistic” in that it had hoped paid business may follow in future.

The Magistrate stated that had the unlawful log ging been commercial, she would have “added a zero” to the fine.

NOVEMBER 14, 2022. CONTACT THE EXPRESS TODAY TO BOOK YOUR SPOT!

Cape York Peninsula Lodge manager Harrison Mylrea and Bamaga Enterprises Limited director Jean Williams with the 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation award.

Fur-friendly calendars on sale

MAREEBA Animal Refuge has officially re leased their 2023 calendar, featuring some of the regions cutest fur-babies.

The calendars were launched last year to help raise funds for the local refuge and proved to be quite popular.

With the help of local businesses and pet own ers who wanted to show off their pets’ best an gles, the newest calendar was created.

Reguge volunteer and fundraising coordinator Andreas Jodner is keen to sell them as the year comes to an end.

“Sponsorship was obtained by approach ing local businesses for adverts and pet owners submitted their pet photos to help cover printing costs,” he said.

“They are available now from Central Vets, the vets in Kuranda and Fantasy Tails or from our volunteers stall at the Mareeba IGA and Mareeba

Leagues Club.”

The refuge will celebrate 15 years on the 15 November this year, hoping to hit it’s $15,000 fundraising goal before the big celebration.

Refuge staff member and Friends for Animals president Felicity Pollard said the refuge has raised $3,500 so far.

“Some big businesses have thrown in some larger sums and everyone has pitched in little bits,” she said.

“Every little bit helps and honestly it is so awesome to have a great community of people who can volunteer, adopt and donate – we need the community and the community needs us.”

Donations to the Mareeba Animal Refuge’s 15-year fundraiser can be made via bank transfer to BSB: 633-000, account number: 113217335, account name: Friends of the Animals.

Chalumbin Wind Farm, proposed to be located within two cattle grazing properties 15 km south west of Ravenshoe, will be assessed by the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water through a Public Environment Report (PER).

The draft PER is now on public exhibition until Friday, 16 December 2022. It includes full details of the ecological assessment work and findings, and the proposed impact mitigation measures, offset strategies and plans. Hard copies of the draft PER and supporting documents are on display at:

• Tablelands Regional Council, front reception, 45 Mabel St, Atherton.

• Ravenshoe Library, public reading area, 24 Moore St, Ravenshoe.

• The Chalumbin Wind Farm Information Hub, 55 Grigg St, Ravenshoe.

The draft PER and supporting documents are also available on the project website and can be found in the Invitation for comment EPBC Act Public Environment Report post under the ‘News’ tab.

for the information hub in Ravenshoe have been extended to Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, as well as by appointment.

any questions or the latest information on the project please visit the information hub or contact the project team via the details below.

A photomontage showing what the Chalumbin Wind Farm would look like from the Kennedy Highway.

chalumbinwindfarm.com.au

Coral Wilkinson is a nurse with more than 30 years experience in health and aged care, but more importantly she is a daughter whose father had dementia and sufferred several strokes in the last year of his life. Coral helped to support her family to keep her father at home for those last years and knows only too well the daunting journey of a parent needing extra support.

Now author of a new book, about to be released in bookstores, My Parents Are Ageing, What the Heck Do I Do?, Coral will be joining us for two free sessions in order to share practical steps in navigating Australia’s aged-care system, all the way from simple at home support to full time residence in an aged care home. Debunk the myths, access government supported in-home help, and have all your questions about residential aged care answered in one informative session.

Refreshments provided. RSVP to nqadmissions@infin8care.com.au

Ashley Cupitt at the Yungaburra service.

TRC Councillor David Clifton.

Yungaburra school student Allerah Bolger. Louise Anderson-Clemence.

Guest Speak Major Peter Townsend of the Salvation Army.

Flanders Fields Poem read Yungaburra student Beth Bortoli.

St Thomas’ school students lay a wreath.

Mareeba State School leadership team.

Mareeba Sub Branch Deputy President Graham Morrow.

Andrew Singh.

Guest speaker Midshipman Harrison Wetherall, RAN HMAS Cairns.

Aaron Lock, Mareeba RSL Sub Branch Treasurer.

Alyssa Bale, Kate Blundell and Louise Taylor.

Lorainne Cross with Dean and Chrisine Equinox.

Mrs Tudini, Ian Wallace, Ladina Villella and Owen Jonnson.

Paul Jorgensen, Terry Doyle, Mark Jorgensen, Andrew Campbell and Brad Brooks.

Scott Valla, Gary Cross, William Tudidi and John Tichborne.

Harry Adams, Vitto and Lin Cuzzubbo and Ann Adams.

It’s on!! Saturday December 3 young talent from in2dance are performing “Dance Frequency” at Atherton High Hall.

Matinee 1.30pm & evening show 6.30pm. Tickets available online at https://www.trybooking.com/ CEDVE from Thursday November 17. Or use our unique QR code.

Always great entertainment for the whole family, Tableland children from 3 to 18yrs will be

dancing their hearts out to favourite radio hits – what frequency were you tuned in to?

Performing for a supportive audience is such a reward for the student’s efforts throughout the year.

The dancers love building team skills with their friends & performing for their family & community.

From the littlest venturing onto the stage for the first time, to our talented seniors who shine in

statewide competitions & excel in their world-standard examinations, they are gaining valuable skills & confidence to go out into the wider world.

They will perform original choreography in a range of dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop & lyrical all presented with imaginative costuming, lighting, and sound.

The talented team of dance teachers at in2dance have cre-

ated a wonderful experience for dancers and audience alike.

You will be truly amazed at the brilliance of the young performers in our community.

The excitement and energy generated by their annual concert is second to none!

Don’t miss out on being part of something Spectacular! Two shows only 1.30 & 6.30pm. https://www.trybooking.com/CEDVE

Have a waste-less Christmas

TIS the season for giving, whether it be hearty meals or the perfect gifts, and Christmas lovers are being encouraged to be mindful when it comes to waste.

Every year, the amount of food and waste going into landfill increases significantly around the holiday season.

This year, think wisely about how much you are throwing into landfill and follow these holly jolly tips on how to be more sustainable this Christmas.

1. CHRISTMAS DINNER LEFTOVERS

Having a big feast with the family is one of the best things to do over the holiday period, but every year up to 50 per cent of leftover food goes to waste.

The best thing to do is plan ahead and make a list of all the things you will need for your meal.

Overbuying will lead to unnecessary amounts of food that will just end up in the trash can the next morning.

If you do have leftovers, turn it into boxing day lunch, or maybe even break fast the next morning.

Christmas ham can be turned into a soup, a sandwich or something to have next to some eggs.

2. WRAPPING PAPER

This year, reduce, reuse, recycle! It’s time to get creative when it comes to wrapping your gifts by reusing old draw ings, wrapping paper and even newspa pers like this one.

Every year, Australians use over

150,000kms of wrapping paper that ends up going straight into the garbage bag.

Your kids’ old drawings is a great wrapping paper idea, giving each pre sent a personal touch whilst reusing pa per.

Old tea towels and bits of fabric are also a great alternative to wrapping pa per and can reused in the kitchen, bath room or bedroom.

A tote bag to put your presents in means the recipient gets two gifts in one go!

Instead of using plastic pom poms and ribbons that don’t decompose, try using dried flowers and dried citrus.

These are all the hype these days and will give your present a sweet and trendy look whilst reducing waste!

3. WISH LISTS

There is nothing worse than receiving a gift you don’t like, won’t use or already have. Hundreds of gifts unfortunately get thrown away because of this.

Encourage your friends and family to make a Christmas Wish List this year with specific items they want or need.

Gift cards are also a safe option for gifting and can come in handy for boxing day sales the next day.

4. CHRISTMAS TREES AND DECORATIONS

This year, consider switching to a plastic free Christmas tree to reduce the amount of plastic that goes into landfill.

There is no doubt that trees and deco ration will go into landfill after it meets its used by date, so switching to a natural alternative will make the earth happy during the festive season.

A fresh real tree will last for weeks in your home and once it’s time is up can decompose itself without hurting the en vironment.

Wooden ornaments, dried flowers and citrus are also great alternatives to plas tic baubles and give your tree a unique and fun aesthetic.

QCWA’s recipe of the month

METHOD

Chill

Layer fruit, mascarpone and raspberry sauce in chilled glasses up to desired height, keeping each layer as distinct as possible.

TOP each glass with a sprinkle of granola.

SERVE immediately with long spoons or chill until ready to serve.

Recipe courtesy of Barbara McMillan, Dirranbandi QCWA Branch

The Millaa thriller heads west for a laugh

BY SALLY TURLEY

‘THE Thriller from Millaa Millaa’ comedian Georgina Humphries is on a mission to bring free comedy to the outback. She has booked shows in three iconic Gulf towns that aren’t usually at the top of most Bris bane performers lists.

Residents of Einasleigh, Croydon and Karumba are officially invited to buy their dinner and watch a free show at their lo cal hotels in the lead up to Christmas next month. Using money earned from previous performances, this self-funded tour pays homage to Georgie’s love of regional towns and family tradition.

Raised on a Millaa Millaa dairy farm with her parents and grandparents, it took Geor gie a while to realise that getting bucked off one of the family’s dairy buffalos at nine years of age wasn’t necessarily everyone’s standard childhood experience.

But it was great material for a stand-up comedian, so she swapped her gumboots in 2016, for Brisbane, a microphone and the dream of a life on the stage. The 24 year old now appears regularly at the Sit Down Comedy Club in Brisbane and has been a guest panelist on ABC Radio Bris bane numerous times.

As her career continues to grow legs, Georgina works multiple jobs alongside al most nightly standup comedy performanc es around the city. She produces at a radio station, has worked in television casting and at the Brisbane Exhibition.

But her love of country towns has per sisted.

“When I was little, my Dad and I would choose an area off the beaten track each year and do a road trip there together. I loved meeting the people there, hearing their stories and learning about each town,” she said.

“I wanted to put a different spin on this trip, where this time I was the one enter taining the locals. I will be delivering a mix of my best original rural jokes plus some brand new ones I have written especially for this tour.

“I am excited to give people in each community a little peek into life in the city, from my perspective, but I also have a feel ing I might just be lucky enough to pick up some great new material and stories from them along the way.

“My dad Mitch, a former band musician, will be helping me with the show’s sound and lighting and I think he might be keen to open the show for me with a humorous song or two, putting the crowd in the mood.

“I flew my Mum Brigitte down to Bris bane to open for my two sold out shows there recently and the crowd absolutely loved her - she was a hard act to follow! I love having my talented parents being physically part of the show.

“They already feature a bit in my mate rial, so having them there on stage is just the cherry on top. I think it makes the jokes even funnier when the audience have met them in person.

“There’s something special about re gional communities, the people you meet are real characters and connecting with them through crazy stories they can prob ably relate to will be a real treat.

“All the shows are free but the yarns I’ve already heard from some of the locals while organising this tour have been priceless.”

For free bookings, please contact the following venues: Einasleigh Hotel Friday 18 December 7pm, phone (07) 4062 5222.

Croydon Club Hotel Saturday 19 Decem ber 8pm, phone (07) 4745 6184 or Sunset Tavern Karumba Sunday 20 December 7pm, phone (07) 4745 9183.

Kelly gangs story continues in new book

FORMER North Queens lander Peter Long has pub lished his first novel which tells of the colourful life of Steve Hart and the legend of Ned Kelly’s brother Dan, who survived the fiery siege at Glenrowan in Victoria and fled to the region.

According to legend, Hart and Kelly first worked on the Palmer River goldfields in the mid-1880s before head ing south to Mareeba, where they joined Captain Star light (Harry Readford) on his epic droving trips to Dubbo and later through western Queensland and beyond.

Fascinated by the stories of the north, Mr Long has spent decades planning his novel “Steve Hart: The Last Kelly Standing” and is be yond excited to share it with the communities it was in spired by.

“I loved this area and its people and felt privileged to have witnessed some of its beauty, history and stories,” he said.

“I’ve always wanted to bring it to the attention of people who never had the chance to experience it for themselves. More recently, when my wife completed a teaching internship at Cook town, I gained more specific

insights, and my intention (to write the novel) grew.

“The legend of Steve Hart’s survival captured my attention because many of the reported sightings ap peared so convincing and the prospect of a police cover-up over the siege at Glenrowan seemed so plausible.

“If this was America, they would have turned it into a Hollywood movie years ago.”

Mr Long also uncovered

some of the material for his first novel when he was re searching the life of his great grandfather Larry Cummins, a notorious bushranger from New South Wales who had remained a family secret until recent times.

“Steve Hart: The Last Kelly Standing” is available to pur chase from https://hawkeye books.com.au/steve-hartthe-last-kelly-standing/

Georgina Humphries is on a mission to bring free standup comedy to the outback, with a little bit of help from her muso Dad, Mitch from Millaa Millaa.

Former North Queenslander Peter Long has released his novel “Steve Hart: The Last Kelly Standing”, a story of the remaining members of the Kelly Gang and their adventures through Mareeba and Palmer River.

Lamont bulls put the buck into bull riding

BY SALLY TURLEY

the cowboys were focused on relaxing before taking on the “most dangerous eight sec onds in sport” and the spectators were selecting their showiest jeans and shirts to wear on the night, there was one group of people hard at work all the way through Atherton's big bull ride last week.

Leslie and Rebecca Lamont of the 106,000 hectare Hyde Park Station, 220km south of Char ters Towers were flat out at the Malanda Show grounds, feeding, watering and getting ready to reload the stars of that night's show.

The superior cattle facilities at Malanda, meant they had unloaded and rested their bulls there be fore carting them on to Atherton for Saturday’s event. Unfortunately, their road train’s electric winch on the ramp of their double decker crates had chosen that moment to chuck it in.

With just a couple of hours left to get their winch working properly and their team of buck ing bulls loaded, shifted, unloaded and penned up ready for their night's work, it was action stations for the Lamont contracting team.

But as an ex-rodeo competitor himself, with his own “cupboard full of ABCRA All-Round Cowboy buckles” at home, Leslie is used to the pressure involved in the sport. A bit of bush autoelectric work soon had the crisis resolved and their team of bulls delivered in time.

Leslie and Rebecca started breeding rodeo bulls six years ago and their team of 43 bovine athletes now supply the big Mareeba Rodeo and

the Great Northern Bullriding Series, including the event’s Atherton 2022 final last weekend.

Established stars like “Blackjack”, grandson of American star and three-time Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Champion Bull “Little Yel low Jacket” and the never successfully ridden “Springloaded”, have recently been joined by some new squad members.

Responding to the growth of popularity in miniature bull riding on the circuit for junior competitors aged 6-14 years of age, the Lamonts picked up three new bucking boys from the Ma landa High School Lowline stud while they were in town.

Mini-bulls are usually Dexter, Lowline or Ze bus and must conform to an industry height speci fication of no more than 122cm high. Other than their size though, they're just like normal bulls, displaying plenty of power and a wide range of temperaments and bucking styles.

Despite their fierce reputations in the rodeo ring, Rebecca Lamont said their Longhorn/Brah man cross bulls are a pleasure to deal with at home.

“They live in a paddock up against a mob of maiden heifers and we have never had any trouble with them,” she said.

“Typically, regular herd bulls are difficult to muster because they are busy brawling each other to sort out who is boss but because these guys live, work and travel together all the time, they don't even waste their energy fighting amongst themselves.”

Covid has been pretty bad for business and

this is only the fourth rodeo the Lamonts have at tended this year, but mustering Rebecca's parents’ substantial herd of red Brahman cattle they breed and fatten on Hyde Park has helped keep them busy.

In her spare time, the entrepreneurial Rebecca has been busy breeding Speckled Park cattle for the Central Queensland market, breeding and selling Dachshund puppies and rearing poddied

beef calves on a mob of dairy cows.

“I have developed a huge market for dairy cows amongst Central Queensland beef produc ers,” she said.

I have about 50 milkers which I use to raise our own beef calves that have lost their moth ers and I source milkers from Tableland farmers, train them up and on-sell them to other graziers who want them for their own calves.”

No cowboy has ridden time on Leslie Lamont's star bucking bull "Springloaded" since he began his cowboy-destroying career.

LEFT: Leslie and Rebecca Lamont, look in on "Robbity Bob," the pure bred Dexter bull they bought in Bundaberg for their mini-bull bucking team (left). RIGHT: Though he is quite hard on cowboys, "Blackjack" is a gentleman in the yards for his owners.

Malanda Beef Plan Group wraps up year

BY SALLY TURLEY

A LARGE group of Southern Tablelands beef producers gathered on-farm near Mil laa Millaa last Sunday to conduct the Ma landa Beef Plan Group's (MBPG's) annual general meeting and to wrap up the year that was 2022.

The meeting had a strong biosecurity fo cus, updating participants about what was happening in Australia in regard to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and reiterating the respon sibilities of farmers during these sensitive times.

Department of Agriculture and Fisher ies veterinarian and meeting presenter Tom Couston has been traveling around North Queensland advising farmers what to look out for and how to protect their own proper ty in the event of an outbreak of FMD, LSD or any other exotic disease.

Biosecurity is now more important than ever and is simply the implementation of

a series of basic management practices to prevent the introduction or spread of conta gious diseases and noxious weeds.

Essential elements of any biosecurity plan should cover farm inputs and outputs, people, vehicles and equipment, production practices and the training, planning and re cording of farm activities.

A biosecurity plan should involve the screening or testing of incoming animals, quarantine or isolation procedures for newly purchased or returning animals, and a moni toring or evaluation system for early detec tion of disease.

Mareeba stock inspector, Dan Hogarth and newly appointed biosecurity officer, Kylie Pickering were also on hand to remind people of the importance of making sure their RBE (Registrable Biosecurity Entity) status was current.

Any individual, partnership, organisation or other entity that owns or keeps the speci fied number of designated animals (cattle, buffalo, bison, sheep, goat, pig, poultry, des

ignated birds, equine, deer, camel, alpacas or llamas), must apply to DAF to register as a biosecurity entity.

Registration is valid for three years, after which you will need to re-apply and pay the required fee. If you are not registered, you will not be able to order the NLIS tags nec essary to move cattle.

If you unsure of your registration status, you can contact their local stock inspector or the DAF Customer Service Centre on 132 523 to confirm.

The meeting was followed by a sausage sizzle, giving members a chance to catch up after another busy year of fighting Navua sedge, conducting wild dog baiting pro grams and dung beetle research.

After 30 years of operation and a long list of achievements, former group president Dave Andersen said the Beef Plan group was currently between presidents, but he was quietly confident a candidate may step forward early in 2023 and the informative bi-monthly meetings could resume.

DAF Stock Inspector, Dan Hogarth (left) and District Veterinary Officer, Tom Couston (right), talked animal health with local vet, Dr Bill Tranter.

Bernie English, DAF Mareeba and Jo Murphy, Malanda, catch up with the MBPG executive - secretary, Kasmin Brotherton, treasurer, Trevor Petersen and former and acting President, Dave Andersen.

Sunday's meeting provided new DAF Biosecurity Officer, Kylie Pickering (centre), a good chance to meet local graziers like Brigitte Daley of Millaa Millaa and Di Binney of Upper Barron.

Millaa property owner, Michael Hoare, Dan Hampton and hosts Gordon and Tabitha Carcary, with little Darcy, enjoyed the sausage sizzle after the meeting.

Mandy Postle of "Beatrice Hills Brangus Stud," Millaa Millaa, hostess, Elizabeth Carcary and Valerie Bean from Lake Barrine, got a lot out of the presentations throughout the morning.

LETTERS

Upset over park sell-off

I AM appalled at the attitude of the elect ed representatives in the TRC to suggest this park (the park opposite Atherton High School) is underused used is criminal, I note with disgust that the playground equipment has been rendered unusable by the council, if this is not a plot to justify its underuse I must be “Blind Freddy”.

A green space in our community is never up for grabs by one of their greedy devel oper mates, and I understand that parks are provided when subdivisions are approved to provide green space for the residents and give a sense of community to the area.

One last point low cost housing is a state and federal government responsibility not a local government responsibility, also would any sane minded person want to live right on one of the main entry and exit roads from Atherton, the existing park provides a buffer for the existing residents of the area and should not be surrendered at any cost, TRC counsellors and Executive staff HANDS OFF our park.

All TRC rate payers should also be alert that there are 28 of our assets on the books for sale consideration, including the federal funded facility at Hallorans Hill.

Gary Hardy ATHERTON

Windfarm public meeting

THERE will be a public meeting at 1pm on Saturday 19 November at Ravenshoe Town Hall regarding the Chalumbin Wind Farm development.

During the meeting the community will be presented with a summary of the key points of the Public Environment Report document by both myself and Georgina Wieden (a Jirrbal community member), to

assist the community in making submis sions to stop this development from being approved.

The community has been deceived, and the truth will be revealed. Please attend if you can.

For more information, please see the Stop Chalumbin Wind Farm page on facebook or contact contact@stopchalumbinwindfarm.

com

Matt Lachlan GLEN ALLYN

Community of unity tour

MONDAY 7 November saw a capacity crowd gathered at Atherton’s Destiny Hall, Loder St. The occasion was the visit of Gra ham and Michelle Hood. This incredible couple are travelling around Australia, on their Community of Unity Tour.

Graham, having spent his life flying, was a senior pilot with QANTAS. Having spent 35

Years with QANTAS, Graham was stood down when he chose not to participate in the Company’s vaccination mandate. This is what led to the couple’s now full time oc cupation.

“I am not against vaccination, but against the CONTROL”, he said.

We heard of many of the contradictions and catastrophies this control is causing.

Graham’s answer to this situation is UNI TY, and on the LOCAL scene.

As a Christian couple, our so interest ing and helpful visitors demonstrated this in their own family.

Graham so aptly illustrated our present need by referring to our fairly recent history.

It is mind blowing to consider the fact that three events—- the industrial revolu tion, WW 1, WW 2, AND subsequent wars,

all contributed to men either being killed, disabled – mentally and physically, and thus being unable or less able in the training and bringing up of their children.

Graham invited those men who were willing to accept this leadership role to step forward.

About 50 of those near the front did.

In answer to the short question time, Gra ham said those who wished to be linked to the local Community in Unity could do so through the Internet, under ‘Hoodys Heroes’.

Lance Keough ATHERTON

Serenity or insanity?

COMMUNITY action is needed to stand against the insane proposal by TRC Coun cillor David Clifton to destroy the ‘Hillside Park’ on Maunds Road, Atherton.

Open parklands are essential to a sense of serenity in any town, especially on a main road where they are viewed by many.

Even if there are only a few people using the park for a stroll, picnic or playground, most of the folk who drive past would surely appreciate the visual tranquility of this park, as they head to and from the commonly busy town centre.

Town parklands are precious community assets, to be preserved not erased. There are other options available for Cr Clifton and the developers to meet their proposed needs.

For instance, there is land at the back of the old primary school, which has been previously mentioned, along with other sites within reasonable proximity to the heart of town.

If you choose serenity over insanity, be encouraged to take a stand, my country-lov ing friends.

Ian Wilson ATHERTON

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Can you be found by emergency services?

WE all know that in an emergency, minutes matter and making your property accessible and your property number visible from the road could be the difference between life and death when emergency services are trying to find you.

RURAL PROPERTIES

If you own or live on a rural property, it is important to contact your local government to obtain a rural address number. Lot numbers are no longer an accepted component of an address.

Rural addressing is a method of identifying and addressing rural properties throughout Australia.

Numbering is a distance-based system, with

numbers based on how far (in metres) your property’s entrance is from the road’s starting point. You then divide by 10, and round to a whole number.

Odd numbers are assigned to the left side of a road and even numbers are assigned to the right side.

RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS PROPERTIES

Residential properties and businesses should also be numbered to make it easier for emergency responders to find your home or business.

We know that fire trucks are large, so ensure that you don’t have overhanging trees or

branches which may prevent or slow down an emergency response.

Ensure your property is easily identifiable and accessible:

• Make sure your house is numbered and is visible from the street

• Clear trees and long grass from around the numbers

• Make sure you use reflective numbers so they can be seen day or night

• If in town, paint the number on the curb outside your house.

If you are in danger or require immediate assistance, call Triple Zero (000).

For all other police matters, search Policelink.

In an emergency, we know that emotions are often heightened, but staying as calm as possible and providing all the relevant information as requested by the operator will assist emergency services in getting to you faster.

By Donna

Taken just before sunrise late this September at Cobbold Gorge. Enter your photos on Facebook at the Tablelands and Surrounds Photography Group page

BUILT on a fantastic corner allotment with an elevated aspect, this solid masonry block home takes in glorious water views of Lake Tinaroo and surrounding mountains.

The home features an open plan kitchen living and dining room with a wood fire heater, air conditioning and high ceilings.

A covered patio is perfectly positioned to capture the views and ideal for hosting a summer BBQ.

There are three spacious bedrooms, all with built in robes and fans. The master bedroom features an air conditioning unit and an ensuite.

The laundry is located in the double bay garage,

with the added bonus of a double garden shed.

The 1.2HA block leaves the next purchaser with a variety of options and an easy canvas to add a shed, renovate or add a second level to the current dwelling to take full advantage of uninterrupted views.

Established trees create a privacy barrier and the

driveway is concreted for your convenience.

thing left to do, is to contact Exclusive Marketing Agent Kaydee Chatfield 0417 468 941 at Main Street Real Estate today.

The only

Millaa Millaa Falls farmhouse

People love the Tablelands for its lifestyle, rolling green pastures and the views … buy this gorgeous, quirky farmhouse which once had a thriving café and the best Pizza nights in town ... it shared a love of food with people from all over the world … just ask the locals.

Proudly sitting on 1 acre the farmhouse was built by a local builder for a well-known local family in around 1930, they lived in the home for over 60 years.

The freehold land area of 4,0472m2 is situated on the corner of Theresa Creek Road and the Palmerston Highway Millaa Millaa, Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland.

On the main tourist road to the famous Millaa Millaa falls, this property is perfect for

the discerning buyer looking for a tree change. It not only provides an amazing lifestyle amongst the beautiful, lush green rolling hills, but offers numerous opportunities for the new owners to add to the history of the property.

This magnificent building offers many unique features, including:

• Three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, one bathroom has an ornate claw foot bathtub, with its own separate entrance; entry, kitchen, dining, and super large deck on the dairy farm side of the building

• Self-contained unit with 2 bedrooms (one being a large loft bedroom) bathroom, kitchenette, small office, and wood burning fireplace to the highway side the farmhouse

• Bar that was custom built from beautiful old timbers

• Huge deck and outside entertaining area with full size wood fired pizza oven

• 84 panel 20kw solar system

• Plenty of other upgrades including, upgraded plumbing, new kitchen floors, new bathroom tiles, a new shed roof, replaced and added windows and screens, upgrade of all electrical including a fire alarm system and outdoor lighting, food storeroom with cold room

• Currently operating as a B and B

• Established gardens

including a cluster of Kairi pines and fruit trees and other assorted herbs and flowers.

• An external toilet and laundry block with a very large shed plus small wood shed;

• Reticulated town water, rain water (tank), telephone, internet, septic and three phase commercial power

• Main floor area 267 m2 including loft, veranda 29 m2, ablution/laundry block of 11 m2, garage/shed 60 m2. Call Elders agent Claire Taylor for more information on 0477 778 009.

Great new Tolga property

present this three-bedroom home located in the family-friendly village of Tolga and situated within a short stroll to the local amenities and primary school.

Upon entry you will be impressed with the open plan living area with cool ceramic tiles on the floors and lots of natural light flooding the space. This living area flows seamlessly through sliding doors to the generous and private outside living patio.

The house chef is treated to a well-equipped kitchen which has plenty of cupboards, stainless steel appliances and a Caesarstone benchtop.

The master bedroom offers reverse cycle air conditioning and an en-suite, plus access to the outdoors. All bedrooms have built-in

Perfect

mirrored doors.

Outside offers raised and easy-care garden beds, a neat storage shed, and side access is available through a double side gate which would be very handy if you would like to house a large mobile home or caravan.

This property comes with a 5KW solar system on the roof, gas hot water and security screens all round.

features include:

• 3 Built-in bedrooms

• Ensuite to main bedroom

• Airconditioned open plan living

• Internal laundry

Address:

• Double remote car accommodation with built-in storage

• Storage shed

• Security Screens

• Caesarstone bench tops

• 5KW solar panels

• 600m2 block - double gates to side - easy access to rear

This fabulous and neat package is available for inspection by calling

Exclusive agent Collette Rowston from Raine & Horne Atherton on 0419 733 712.

3 Bellamy Close, TOLGA

Price: Offers Over $460,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Collette Rowston Raine & Horne Atherton Contact: 0419 733 712

THIS classic five bedroom home is perfectly positioned on a large 1,012m2 allotment and conveniently located within walking distance to Atherton Town Centre. This home has loads of potential and options including an ex cellent investment opportu nity or a fantastic home for a family to enjoy.

Features include:

• 5 bedroom timber home

• Bedroom (5) with a kitch enette and Bedroom (3) with a built-in desk

• 2 bathrooms, 1 bathroom recently renovated

• One section of the home can be shut off (has its own entry point plus access from the main house). Perfect space for an Airbnb, rent out to a tenant, teenage retreat, or for the extended family.

• Open plan living

• Central kitchen with tim ber bench tops, breakfast bar, dishwasher and a freestanding oven

• Formal dining room with built-in cupboards

• Internal laundry

• Polished timber floors, high ceilings and ceiling fans throughout home

• Entertainment deck with a bathtub overlooking rear gardens – Entertain in pri vacy!

• 2 bay enclosed carport

• Lockable workshop/ storage shed

• Chook pen

• Fenced backyard with vehicle side access

• Large 1,012m2 allotment

This home is truly position

Address:

to arrange an inspection, call exclusive marketing agent Raquel at Sommerset Realty on 0408 983 879.

Somewhere secluded where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the bush? Then this property might be just what you are looking for.

Situated in an elevated location is this large, insulated colorbond shed (16m x 12m) waiting for you to call your own.

Open plan in layout, the shed home consists of 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and an updated kitchen with

plenty of bench & cupboard space and patio to take in the bush outlook.

Set on approx. 20 acres the land is mainly treed for privacy; however there is a section of cleared area around the home for you to add on to the already established gardens & fruit trees.

Bordering state forest, this creates endless & pristine mountains views for you to enjoy.

This home is ready &

houses l land l units l investments l acreage l farms l rentals

Size really does matter

POSITIONED on 1051m2 only 5 minutes from town this home is very well located in Sunbird Park Estate and the versatile floorplan is generously sized (approx. 286m2) incorporating 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a sizeable living area offering adaptable family living and exceptional entertaining options.

It’s a highly desirable home offering cool open spaces, crisp neutral colour schemes and it’s packed with additional quality features including:

• Quality built & fully tiled throughout + split system airconditioning & cassette airconditioning in the living area

• 4 generous bedrooms, 3

with mirrored built-in robes

• Master bedroom with ensuite, his & hers shower & walk-in robe

• Massive open plan living area incorporating lounge & dining areas plus a substantial enclosed patio/ rumpus room

• Superb modern kitchen featuring a large central island bench with breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances including 900mm oven with gas cooktop, canopy rangehood & wide fridge space allowance with water connection point

• Laundry with builtin cabinetry + storage cupboards throughout

• 3kw solar power system with 5kw inverter

• Tinted windows & crimsafe style security screens throughout

• Garage with 1 bay extended to 7.4m deep allowing for storage of a boat or lengthy ute

• 6m x 4m powered, colourbond shed

• Exposed aggregate driveway

• Fully fenced & landscaped 1051m2

If you're looking for the perfect modern, family entertainer that will tick all the boxes….your search ends here.

What a superb lifestyle this property offers! With so many features and so much room it can’t be judged from

0417 700 468.

Address: 42 Jacana Close, MAREEBA

Price: Offers over $570,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real Estate Contact: 0417 700 468

ambience of peacefulness

IS what you will find with this spacious home on a secluded 4,000sqm block of land in a park like setting.

The home is easy to live in and easy to clean, as there are durable and carefree tiled floors throughout, making housework a breeze.

For hurried mornings there is a breakfast bar, and the kitchen has a double door pantry to cater for everyone’s needs.

There are 3 sizable bedrooms, all with built-in wardrobes and ceiling fans.

The main bedroom has an ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe. If you need additional sleeping accommodation, the office could also be used as an extra bedroom.

There is an easy access shower and a separate bath

in the main bathroom.

For outdoor living there is an expansive patio overlooking the grassed play area for children and pets.

There are security screens on all doors and windows for your peace of mind. The 2-car lock-up garage has direct entry into the home and there is a two-bay open carport for extra vehicles, caravan, or boat.

Here you will find a relaxed lifestyle close to town, just over two kilometres from the Atherton High School.

For more information, call Trisha Jackson at Professionals Atherton. Phone 4091 3955 or 0419 1833 145 anytime. To view more photos, visit athertonrealestate.com.au

allotment with double gated side access, Zoyzia turf, auto irrigation on timer & no rear neighbours

the street inspection is highly recommended. For further information

or to arrange a private inspection please call exclusive agent Joe Torrisi on

IF you have been searching for the perfect home or sturdy investment, then look no further as we have just the opportunity for you! Located at 89 Walsh Street, Mareeba this masonry block home has potential written all over it.

Its masonry block construction, tiled flooring & security screens on most windows and doors makes this sturdy home built to last. With a little TLC this property has some fantastic potential & a lot to offer.

The homes kitchen is compact with plenty of storage opportunities. The dining room is right beside the kitchen & accessed from the carport. There is plenty of room in the living room for the whole family, which is just a step down from the dining & kitchen.

All three bedrooms in the home are easily accessible to the bathroom & living space. One of the bedrooms is very spacious & could be used as

a double room. The master bedroom is accessed through an office type space, with built in cupboards dividing the room for privacy & could easily be used as a large split-level master bedroom. The bathroom features a combined shower & tub, with a separate toilet, located right beside the laundry for convenience.

Out the back is an undercover entertainment area located off the two sheds, one of which is powered. There is also side access to the rear of the property, perfect for storing a boat or camper trailer. Situated on a 759m2 allotment with a fenced rear yard this home is only minutes to the Mareeba

CBD and amenities.

• 3 Bedrooms plus office, 1 bathroom

• Compact kitchen with plenty of storage, dining room adjacent

• Well sized living room

• Masonry block construction, tiles throughout, security screens on most windows & doors

• Fenced rear yard, side access to the rear

• Two sheds, one with power

• 759 m2 allotment

• Close to Mareeba CBD & amenities To arrange a Private Inspection call exclusive a gent Vince Costas on 0419 926 691 Today.

It’s all about lifestyle

POSITIONED at the end of the crescent via a cement driveway, leads you to this breezy and light filled urban retreat.

This beautifully presented home is an exceptional readymade opportunity designed to impress.

If you live life in the fast lane and want a Brand New home offering low maintenance living this could be your perfect property.

The functional layout integrates quality finishes and stylish appointments throughout to create an enviable cosmopolitan lifestyle.

An impressive well designed kitchen equipped with quality appliances is simply a delight to be in, finished with marble look benchtops and crisp urban

styled cabinetry.

Open plan living connects seamlessly with outside setting the tone for distinctive outdoor entertaining. Both the dining and lounge area open to the outdoors.

Breezy and light filled urban retreat features:

• 4 Bedrooms

• 4th Bedroom has access to the rear patio via a sliding glass door (could also be a media room or home office)

• 2 Bathrooms - Ensuite

• Entry Foyer –with stately feature door

• Large Kitchen with island bench. Feature display shelving

• Concealed Bosh dishwasher

• Extra deep island sink

• Concealed recycle bin

• Double the space with 2 panties – 1st Pantry is a

Wall pull out – 2nd Pantry has fixed shelving and a bank of pull out draws

• Bosh appliances

• Spacious open plan living

• Vinyl flooring throughout

• Flyscreens throughout

• Fans throughout

• 1 Linen press located near the Laundry - 2 Linen press located next the main bathroom

• Built by Tropic Coast Homes

• High ceiling

• Electric Hot Water System

• Bore, Wisconsin mound

septic system, Town Water

• Absolutely lovely easterly breezes

Make It Yours – This enviable quiet retreat has been well planned and is ready for new owners to add their own touches.

Take advantage of this opportunity to enter this established 1 acre community, surrounded by new and established quality homes and backing onto acreage.

Contact Rogato Real Estate on 0418 183 555.

Fantastic opportunity to secure a large residence within walking distance of the main street in Tolga. The home is ready for you to make your mark with 6 bedrooms plus office as well as multiple living areas.

Kitchen is central and overlooks the spacious family area which features fireplace to warm the home and large sliding doors to access outside. Bedrooms are all generously sized

and master bedroom on the second level offers privacy with its own bathroom and walk in wardrobe as well as reverse cycle air conditioning. Several of the bedrooms have had new carpet laid, the kitchen, dining and living areas have vinyl plank. Outside the covered area is perfect for entertaining. It's light and airy and comes complete with timber bar with power for fridges. Behind the bar is a

workshop which could be utilised as such or provide further entertaining area for pool table and more.

Further to this there is more shed space at the back of the block which is a great

place for vehicle storge or to be used as green house. For more information on this property call marketing agent Alex Payne today on 0409 328 153.

TOLGA

mulga myrtle native pepperberry pigface plum quandong raspberry ruby Wednesday 16th 35o 20o

small WORD SEARCH

dooja doubah finger gooseberry greens grub gundabluey hala illawarra

kakadu kurrajong kutjera lemon lillypilly lime macadamia midym morinda

spikerush spinifex tanjong tomato warrigal witchetty yams

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

This week, the storm breaks and ends with a rainbow. Frugality could be needed, take inventory, you will probably find you can make do nicely. Change is here, seeds planted 3 months ago are bearing fruit & are ripe for the picking. Jump in & take action.

Cancer J UN 21 - JUL 22

This week, you know when to speak up. Venture outside your comfort zone, you might find yourself physically taking some risks. Take it slowly, but you might find you’re better at it than you thought you would be. It’s good to try things & have fun

Libra

Taurus apr 20 - may 20

This week, you’re finding where to draw the line. Compromise in your financial habits and relationships is highlighted. How can you work together and find the middle ground. Boundaries between work and personal life will be tested. Hold your ground.

Leo JUL 23 - AUG 22

This week, making a change can bring benefits. Something you thought had been laid to rest, might raise it’s head. You might have to play Switzerland as you get pulled into choosing sides in this family squabble.

Gemini May 21 - Jun 20

This week, you could receive recognition at your job. Routines, streamlining & automation could be on your mind as you refine clunky processes & work towards efficiency. This is part of the growth & transition you’re going through.

Virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22

This week, release the outcome and you’ll find that everything works out. You could have challenges with communication devices, take care where you put your phone down & near water! Be cautious to read the fine print this week.

sep 23 - oct 22

This week, you’re finding answers. It’s possible an unexpected & unplanned expense could turn your budget on it’s head. You could find yourself scrambling to cover this one, thank goodness you’ve been reeling in that spending recently!

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

This week, you might be tempted to go down an old romantic path. Tech could be on the fritz, check your phone is charging & maybe hold off on updates until after you’ve saved your work. The energy will settle down by mid week.

Scorpio oct 23 - nov 21

This week, challenges you meet head-on bring growth and good results. You generally don’t like to be in the limelight until you’re ready. You might not have the option to prepare as well as you’d like, don’t worry though you’ll handle it just fine.

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

This week, look before you leap. The algorithm in your social media might have been causing some frustration. That could change this week, what you put out into the world will be seen by more people. Plant the seeds for your tribe to grow.

Sagittarius nov 22 - dec 21

This week, you might have to keep quiet to keep the peace. Distractions galore earlier in the week, you’ll sit down to check one thing & lose yourself down the rabbit hole, only to resurface 4 hours later. It might be wise to set a timer or alarm.

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

This week, you’re finding time for self-care. You could be feeling a block of some kind, a small adjustment is all you need. Maybe a change of scenery will help, or an adjusted point of view - try working on the ending first & feel the creativity flow.

WILCE, Alice Ann

Late of Yungaburra. Passed away surrounded by her loving family on the 5th of November, 2022.

Aged 72 years.

Much loved Mother of Theresa, Adrian (Dec.), Murray and Aaron. Mother-in-Law to Dave, Grandmother and Great Grandmother to her cherished grandchildren and loved Sister to Joan, June, David, Neil, Margaret (Dec.) and Robert (Dec.).

Always remembered and in our hearts. Relatives and friends of Alice are respectfully invited to attend her funeral which is to be held graveside at Yungaburra Cemetery on Monday 21st November, 2022 commencing at 11am.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services

Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013

Local Family Owned & “Entrusted for over 70 years” www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au

THE FAMILY OF Bryan Armstrong

Would like to extend their sincere thanks to everyone for the cards, owers, support, kindness and condolences.

Also thank you to Cairns and Atherton Hospital doctors and sta that cared for Brian lovingly in his last days.

Colleen, Bill, Mervyn, Joanne, David and their families would like you to accept this as their personal thanks.

Trainee & Apprentice Opportunities

First Nations Peoples Tourism Trainee To perform this role it is essential that the applicant is a First Nations person. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991

Business Trainee — Local Laws

Business Trainee — Community Services and Finance

Business Trainee — Community Development and Emergency Management Land Protection and Nursery Trainee Horticulture Trainee

2x Plumbing Apprenticeships

Trainee Information Session — 4.00–5.30pm Thursday 17 November 2022 at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street in Atherton.

Applications open from Thursday 17 November to Thursday 1 December 2022.

Go to trc.qld.gov.au/careers for further information and to apply.

The First Start program is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.

07 4093 2750 for

4 FARM HANDS

To

POSITION VACANT

PUBLIC NOTICE

Flegler Group have a permanent full time position available for a Banana Packing Supervisor on their local banana farm.

Experience with bananas is not essential.

The approved applicant must lead by example to achieve high productivity while maintaining exceptional quality standards. Immediate start.

Check us out at: www.fleglergroup.com.au.

Please forward details/resumes to: office@fleglergroup.com

ADDRESSED

Give a Birthday Shout out for your under 13 year old!

Head to bit.ly/expressbirthdaylist or scan the QR Code to send us your child’s Name, birth date and suburb.

DOES your club need to advertise an AGM? Email admin@ theexpressnewspaper. com.au for a quote.

INVITATION FOR QUOTATION

Overhaul and Refurbishment of Staff Quarters and Camp Facilities

Etheridge Shire Council invites quotations for Overhaul and Refurbishment of Staff Quarters and Camp Facilities at Mary Street Depot, Georgetown, Qld, 4871.

The Code for the Tendering and Performance of Building Work 2016 applies to the building work associated with this project. It is a requirement of this project that any per son who undertakes the work be compliant with the Code.

The Queensland Government’s Code of Practice for the Building and Construction Industry applies to the building work associated with this project. It is a requirement of this project that any person who undertakes the work be compliant with the Code.

Tender documentation may be obtained from: www.ether idge.qld.gov.au on Monday 14th November, 2022.

A site visit is mandatory and is scheduled for Wednesday 30th November, 2022 between 9am and 11am.

To register attendance, please email: allan.parry@ether idge.qld.gov.au

Tenders must be lodged via email to: tender@etheridge. qld.gov.au by 4:00pm on Tuesday 6th December, 2022.

Council reserves the right to invite all tenderers to change their tenders to take account of a change in the tender specification.

The Council’s representative for this quotation is Allan Parry who can be contacted on: allan.parry@etheridge. qld.gov.au.

Ken Timms, Chief Executive Officer

ADVERTISING works. Call us on 4092 3464.

Challenge likely for Leagues Club Board

Early indications are that the forthcoming annual general meeting of Mareeba Leagues Club will be a face off of at least two factions regarding the direction of the not-for-profit community club.

The current board of directors and leadership are steering the club towards a building expan sion which will include construction of extensions to the current facility.

Under a 30 year rental agreement that ends in November next year, Mareeba Leagues Club has occupied the facility that is owned by Mareeba Shire Council.

However, a growing number of club members are against the move of the club funding a build ing programme on land that in reality, remains owned by the Council.

The group also questions why the club’s only tangible asset, a house in Mason Street, was sold off.

A spokesperson for the challenging group claims the property was assisting the rental crisis currently affecting Mareeba and environs.

He added, “During the height of the recent COVID pandemic, this asset was the only income gen erating source as the club was closed under the then government imposed COVID regulations.

“To date there has been no explanation to members regarding why this revenue generating asset was sold off,” the spokesperson claimed.

The spokesperson also queried why Mareeba Leagues Club no longer maintains the services of a Courtesy Bus.

“When patrons are picked up by the Club Bus to go to the club, they spend money in the club on food, drinks, gaming and entertainment. Without the community services of the bus, it follows that the Club subsequently is losing money.

“The Club has paid Mareeba Shire Council around $5 million in rentals for use of the building, however, previous members and boards at Mareeba Leagues Club did not raise profits and funds to be later directed to a building programme that is paid for by the Mareeba Leagues Club and its members on land upon which the club has no ownership or tenure,” the spokesperson claimed.

“Mareeba Leagues Club’s constitution indicates that as a not-for-profit entity, a share of profits are to be distributed among the Mareeba community organisations and community projects.

“However at the 2021 AGM there is a section identified as the club’s Building and Expansion Fund that has just under $2.7 million accrued.

“There are a number of community based initiatives that could have that money, instead of directing it towards a project over which the club has no real control.”

The spokesperson stated that the group of members he represents oppose the manner in which the current board is heading.

“I understand the concept of “Commercial In Confidence” arrangements, but having some mem bers claim to have seen the plans for the future expansion.

“However, keeping them under wraps with regard to open viewing of other members, is not the way to go, I believe, and neither do the other members of the challenging group expected to front at the Mareeba Leagues Club Annual General Meeting,” the spokesperson added.

Past President - Paul Johnstone.

REQUEST FOR TENDER

Tender T-TRC2022-14 for register of pre-qualified suppliers of occasional plant hire 2023–24 is open until 11am AEST Monday 28 November 2022. Visit tenderlink.com/trc for more information and to apply.

Notice of 2022 Annual General Meeting of Members

Wadjanbarra Tableland Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation give notice of their ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

To be held on 26 November, 2022 at 10.00am, The Atherton Hotel, 90 Main St, Atherton Q.4883

For more information email: admin@wadjanbarrayidinji.com.au

TO: ALL PATIENTS OF THE ATHERTON FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE

We advise that the Atherton Family Medical Centre is now permanently closed. If you or your new medical service provider require access to your medical records, then these records shall be made available on written request by either the patient or the patient’s new medical service provider (with appropriate authorities) by sending the request to -

Writing to: 25 Louise Street, Atherton Qld 4883; or Sending an Email to: athertonhealthhub@ outlook.com

The medical records are currently being supervised by DP Caines Pty Ltd who is merely storing the medical records. DP Caines Pty Ltd is not taking over or acquiring the medical practice previously conducted as the Atherton Family Medical Centre, nor is DP Caines Pty Ltd offering any medical services. DP Caines Pty Ltd is merely administering the medical records and storing same so as to allow continued access by any relevant patient or their new medical service provider.

FREE GREEN WASTE DISPOSAL DAYS

Mareeba Shire Council Free Green Waste Disposal Days (domestic only) - November/December, 2022

Mutchilba Transfer Station

Wednesday 30th November and Saturday 3rd December, 2022

Chillagoe Transfer Station

Thursday 1st December and Saturday 3rd December, 2022

Mt Carbine Transfer Station

Thursday 1st December and Sunday 4th December, 2022

Dimbulah, Julatten, Kuranda and Mareeba Transfer Stations

Saturday 3rd December and Sunday 4th December, 2022

Almaden, lrvinebank and Mt Molloy Transfer Stations

Saturday 3rd December and Tuesday 6th December, 2022

KILLALOE TRANSFER STATION, MOSSMAN

REMONDIS team at the Killaloe Transfer Station, Mossman. Now on offer!

TRANSFER STATION OPERATOR

LEADING HAND

If you have solid operating experience on heavy plant including, Excavator and Loader and a hold a HR driving license? Or are you ready to guide a close-knit team? Go ahead and Apply today!

Contact Kevin Davies 0400 490 493.

Written applications, including resume, 2 referees should be submitted by close of business, Friday 25 November, 2022.

ADDRESSED TO: The Manager, SWMF PO Box 1320, Walkamin Q. 4872 Or Email: springmount@remondis.com.au

qld/ravenshoe-gulf-countrycommunity-bankbranch/

Owen named drive of year

FORD

was

It was a sixth title win for Jonsson

who had previously won the top award back in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2019.

Eleven-year-old Harrison Jonsson was named D grade best and fairest in the new junior section which was run

at the club for the first time this year.

A special award “Every Club Needs a Billy” was presented to driver Bill Stolzenberg for his passion and effort to local speedway. Full list of awards below.

2022

D-GRADE 3rd: JUSTIN TOOHEY (40 points)

D- GRADE 2nd: WILL JONSSON (96 points)

D-GRADE 1st: HARRISON JONSSON (114 points)

C-GRADE 3RD: EDWARD SMITH (183 points)

C-GRADE 2ND: DANIEL WELLER (298 points)

C-GRADE 1ST: LUKE CUMMINGS (323 points)

B-GRADE 3RD: MITCHELL WHITE (246 points)

B-GRADE 2ND: SAM JENNINGS (251 points)

B-GRADE 1ST: COREY MARTIN (253 points)

A-GRADE 3RD: OWEN RANKIN (242 points)

A-GRADE 2ND: ANDREW McCREATH (257 points)

DRIVER OF THE YEAR: OWEN JONSSON – 340.

2022 VOTED WINNERS & PERPETUALS

TROPHY DAY BUTCHERS: BRAD BROOK

TROPHY DAY TOP POINTS:HARRISON JONSSON

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR: KIRK POOLE

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: EDWARD SMITH

BEST & FAIREST: C Grade – DANIEL WELLER, B Grade – GEOFF SCHULZ, A Grade – OWEN JONSSON

MOST IMPROVED AWARD: DANIEL WELLER

ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: SOPHIE JONSSON

UNLUCKIEST DRIVER: EDWARD SMITH

BEST PRESENTED CAR: CAMERON O’FLYNN

Students earn black belts

The

Cortina driver Owen Jonsson

named 2022 Driver of the Year at the Tableland Competition Car Club’s presentation night held on Saturday at the Herberton Tepon Speedway Track.

TABLELAND Freestyle Tae Kwon-do welcomed eight new students from Atherton and Malanda into their ranks as black belts after a recent grading.

students had to perform all the pattens they have learned from white belt to red, self-defence techniques and seven board breaks finishing with six rounds of free sparring.

GRADE WINNERS

Sportsman of the Year Kirk Poole.

Junior D Grade best and fairest Harrison Jonsson.

Bill Stolzenberg “Every Club Needs a Billy” trophy award

Best presented car Cameron O’Flynn

Driver of the Year Owen Jonsson.

Girls crush challenge

SOME of the Atherton’s most promising young cricketing stars have taken another step on their journey to the state stage after playing in a Coun try Northern team and winning against Central Country recent ly in Mackay.

Abby Toshach, Amy Hunter and Talytha MacDonald all competed in a weekend carnival recently consisting of one 35 over game and two T20s over two days.

The games acted as a trial to selected Northern Country team to compete against South ern Queensland in Mackay for a possible selection in the Queensland Country team.

All players performed well with Toshach leading the bat ting and Hunter spearheading the bowling.

With an unbeaten knock of 80 not out during one of the T20s, Toshach was named as the highest run scorer of the carni val and was awarded the Bald win Jonassen medal.

Hunter alongside other play ers selected from the weekend will play in Mackay in the com ing weeks for a chance to be se lected in the Queensland Coun try team.

Unfortunately, Toshach won’t be able to play in the match but will still be available for selection.

Ultra-success for backyard ultra

AFTER over 100 kilometres and 19 gruelling hours, experienced Cairns ultrarunner Adam Fox stood atop the ladder at the recent inau gural Old Mates Backyard Ultra hosted on the Tablelands.

Tackling a 6.7km course every hour on the hour, the event attracted over 60 runners from across Far North Queensland and as far south as Moranbah to Old Mates Farm in Upper Barron.

The relatively new run format challenged participants to complete as many laps as they could until they could not go any further, the run did not stop until the last runner decided to call it quits.

Race director Joshua Duff said the runners battled through heatwave conditions during the weekend run but powered through.

“It was unfortunate for the runners that we were hit with heatwave conditions for the event,” he said.

“They almost seemed to love the challenge of the heat even more.

“We had runners finish anywhere from one lap up to our last one standing who completed 19 laps and finished early on the Sunday morn ing.”

Fox was the last one standing, completing 19 laps totalling 127.3 kilometres, he was pushed by Port Douglas’ Gary Venz who finished on 18 laps just in front of Cairns school teacher Mi chael Haseldine with 17 laps.

The last standing female was Cairns runner Peta Travers-Jones who managed to finish 17 laps totalling 113.9 kilometres, she overcame Mareeba local Sonya Alba-Miller who finished on 15 laps and 100 kilometres.

“It was a phenomenal event that allowed all the entrants to challenge themselves and run further than they ever had before,” Duff said.

“It didn’t matter whether runners ran a few laps or many, everyone supported each other in what was a family friendly atmosphere.”

Old Mates Backyard Ultra included camp ing for the participants, crew and families at Old Mates Farm.

The event created a fun and friendly atmos phere with a Halloween dress up lap for run ners, a lolly scavenger hunt for kids and the usual Old Mates Farm animal feeding.

Old Mates Backyard Ultra will be back again in 2023 with a date yet to be decided.

Cairns local Adam Fox was the last runner standing after the recent Old Mates Backyard Ultra.

Abby Toshach, Amy Hunter and Talytha MacDonald all competed in a recent trial to be selected for the Northern Country Team due to play Southern Country in Mackay.

New committee takes lead at junior league

A FRESH new committee is at the helm of jun ior rugby league in Mareeba after the Mareeba Junior Rugby League’s recent annual general meeting.

After spending years as vice-president, Raymond Srhoj has stepped up and filled the shoes of president alongside a fresh committee with Stephen Gear taking on vice-president, Natasha Taylor as treasurer, Andrea Cureton as secretary and Nadine Apps as registrar.

This will be also Srhoj’s last year with the juniors as his kids move up into the senior club next season.

Junior players can look forward to using a new scoreboard soon as the Gladiators have begun installing it at the club’s home ground of Davies Park.

There will be a sign-on day for junior rugby league in Mareeba next year on 4 February starting at 10am.

The club is also seeking nominations for coaches, leaguesafe officials, first aid officers, team managers and referees – if you are inter ested please email mjrlsecretary@gmail.com or phone 0439784 367.

Norths claim trophy match

unbeaten on 80 runs from 62 deliveries in just his second appearance of the season.

Ben Vikionkorpi chipped in with a splendid 24 not out from 14 balls to help his side finish on a respectful 7-205.

Norths began their chase in an aggressive fash ion, scoring frequent boundaries and running well between the wickets.

Atherton captain Tom Boorman won the toss and decided to bat first on what looked like a great day for batting.

Despite a few early boundaries, Atherton lost frequent wickets to some ordinary shots and poor decision-making, slumping to 6-87.

Mason Blaney batted nicely for his 35 from 49 balls to give Atherton some breathing room before Dan Parnell led the fightback and found a trustee companion in young Benny Howard, the pair put on a fine 89-run partnership.

Parnell cleared the rope five times finishing

Boorman made the first breakthrough with Norths already having 57 on the board and Parnell stuck soon afterwards removing the dangerous Angus Warnock for just 10.

Norths’ opener Aiden Firman proved too good for the Atherton attack, scoring a match winning 104 runs from 92 balls.

A couple of late wickets from Boorman proved little too late as Norths made the runs five wickets down and with five overs to spare.

Atherton play their next Cricket Far North match at Innisfail Tafe this Saturday against Cas sowary Coast.

Mareeba Junior Rugby League committee members registrar Nadine Apps, president Raymond Srhoj, secretary Andrea Cureton, treasurer Natasha Taylor and vice-president Stephen Gear.

IT WAS Atherton’s turn to host the BridgemanMaher trophy on Saturday against Norths at Loder Park in an action-packed game that saw Norths claim the trophy.

The trophy was named after Tommy Maher of Norths and Darryl Bridgeman, a long serving rep resentative of Atherton Cricket who is famously known for his aggressive fast bowling and passion for the club.

Atherton opener Chris Adams loading up to play a shot during Saturday’s game against Norths.

SPORT

Bodybuilders build to gold

BY ELLIE FINK

MONTHS of dedication to achieve the perfect physique has paid off for Far North bodybuild ers Azariah Gutchen and Troy McGuane as they competed side by side at the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Queensland and National titles.

From getting up at 5am everyday to run to gether to tackling an hour on the stepper or bike in the gym, the dynamic duo went into the titles confident and ready to show out.

Mareeba born and bred, Gutchen came home with silver around his neck from the Queensland titles novice category and was determined to go into the national finals sharper than ever.

Starting his journey in bodybuilding at 15, Gutchen knows the ins and outs of bodybuilding and how to present his muscles on stage.

Competing in the national’s novice catego ry, he was determined to show the judges his strength.

“Coming second in the Queensland titles re ally fed the fire and made me hungry to win the national titles,” he said.

“I had my coach Chris Black checking my body and getting me prepared for the next round. I was on a 25-week diet and went from 96kg to 83.8kg.

“I had to do it slow and steady so that my body could get used to it.”

Gutchen’s hard work paid off tremendously when he took home the gold at the national finals.

He felt a mixture of shock, pride and excite ment when his name was called in front of the crowd and the 17 other competitors.

Now he is back home in Cairns and will be taking a three-to-four-year break from body

building to build his back muscles before return ing to the scene to go for his pro card.

After receiving his pro card, his goal is to be come Mr Olympia the world’s premier title for bodybuilding and a title previously held by Ar nold Schwarzenegger.

With a successful career in the Clontarf Foun dation working at Woree State High School, Gutchen will also be focusing on his work help ing young First Nation’s students.

Well-known Cairns real estate agent Troy Mc Guane had his first experience of the bodybuild ing stage at the Queensland Titles.

Competing in the master’s category, he recalls his experience and he said he will remember it forever.

With a successful past in AFL and marathon running, bodybuilding is the newest sport to be added to his list of achievements.

Spending hours training alongside Gutchen and his girlfriend Tracey Defferrard, who also competed, McGuane’s felt primed and ready for his first competition.

“Initially I engaged my coach Chris Black to assist me in my first competition. I had no expec tations, and as an ex-professional AFL player, I trusted the process and program he set for me,” he said.

“It was extremely rewarding seeing one of my best friends (Gutchen) win his category and to share that experience is a lifelong dream and something we will both cherish. My girlfriend Tracey also had great success coming second in her pro division of the (World Beauty Fitness and Fashion) competition.

“To walk away with a bronze medal for my self in the masters’ men’s physique for Australia was extremely satisfying as this sport is extreme ly difficult and takes total focus and accountabil

ity 24/7.”

McGaune is now training up for his next bodybuilding competition, described as “a weap on” by Gutchen for not giving up and pushing for the gold.

Bodybuilding is a sport that both gentlemen have bonded over and enjoyed and Gutchen en courages anyone and everyone to give it a go.

He said the sport encourages health and fit ness as well as helps you stay focused on the im portant things in life such as friendships.

“As an everyday person, jumping on the stage really helps with self-development,” he said.

“The last few weeks I have been really fo cused on my fitness and the cut that I haven’t thought about partying and alcohol.

“(McGuane) has become like an older brother to me and over the competition we have texted each other every morning to go for a run and checked in on each other’s wellbeing which is super important in a competition like this.”

Mareeba born and bred Azariah Gutchen (left) came home with gold from the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness national titles, while Cairns real estate agent Troy McGaune (right) came home with bronze in his first bodybuilding competition.

PHOTOS: GARY PHILLIPS PHOTOS.